Leicester is gearing up for an epic Diwali Day event with some amazing additions to the traditional celebrations. The city is buzzing with excitement as the final preparations are being made for the spectacular event on Sunday. The highlight of the event will be the grand parade of 100 stunning willow lanterns, set to light up the Diwali Day festivities. But that’s not all; visitors can also look forward to a DJ set by the talented Talvin Singh, street theatre featuring giant puppets, and LED rickshaws playing music along the Belgrave Road.
The festivities will kick off at 3pm and continue until 9pm, offering a jam-packed schedule of entertainment. This year, the city council has collaborated with local arts organization Inspirate to introduce new and exciting elements to the event, thanks to funding support from Arts Council England.
Deputy city mayor for culture, Cllr Adam Clarke, expressed his anticipation for the event, highlighting the significance of Diwali in celebrating the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. He also mentioned the sensory feast that awaits visitors, including light and fire shows, music, and delicious food from the Golden Mile traders.
Jiten Anand of Inspirate shared his excitement for the new iteration of Diwali, emphasizing the efforts to make the festival more accessible to a new generation of communities in Leicester. He expressed his ambition for the Diwali Festival to become a world-class event in the UK’s cultural calendar.
The event will commence with a lively parade of lanterns created by local school children and families, followed by a captivating street theatre show featuring giant puppetry, martial arts, dance, and storytelling. The mobile rickshaws, uniquely designed and equipped with sound systems, will add to the festive atmosphere, encouraging visitors to dance their way through the celebrations.
Music enthusiasts can look forward to the Diwali truck, where DJ Yumna Black will entertain the crowd with contemporary sounds blending east and west, along with live collaborations. Meanwhile, the Cossington Street Recreation Ground will come alive with a neon waterfall light show, a fire garden, and a spectacular laser light show, creating a mesmerizing display of light and colour.
The evening will culminate in a breathtaking firework display accompanied by a soundtrack by the renowned composer and musician Arun Ghosh. The grand finale will feature the explosive fusion of Indian and electronic sounds by the talented Talvin Singh, promising to keep the festival atmosphere alive after the fireworks.
This year’s Diwali celebrations are set to be an unforgettable experience, offering a perfect blend of tradition and modern entertainment. Don’t miss out on this incredible event! For more information, visit visitleicester.info. The University of Leicester is proud to support Leicester’s Diwali celebrations.